Photo/Story Gallery 2002

Trooper Seizes Drugs in Indian River County

On Thursday, December 12, 2002, At 7:15 a.m., Trooper Philip Spaziante, who is assigned to Troop L, Ft. Pierce District, was clocking vehicles northbound on Interstate 95 at the 153 mile marker in Indian River County.

Trooper Spaziante clocked a 2000 Dodge Neon at 87 mph in a posted 70 mph zone. Trooper Spaziante stopped the vehicle and asked the driver for his license, registration, and proof of insurance. While the driver was reaching into the center console for his driver license, Trooper Spaziante noticed a small bag of marijuana in the console. The driver, 23-year-old Jacksonville resident Franco B. Farrington, was subsequently placed under arrest for possession of marijuana.

While conducting an inventory search of the vehicle, a large travel bag was located in the trunk of the vehicle containing approximately 20 lbs. of marijuana. The street value for these drugs was estimated to be approximately $17,000.

Farrington was transported to the Indian River County jail for trafficking in drugs, possession of unlawful drugs, and unlawful speed.